Grace Fu Hai Yien
Singapore
“The Government takes a multi-pronged approach to address the disamenities from second-hand tobacco smoke. The National Environment Agency (NEA) works with Government agencies, Town Councils and community leaders to promote considerate behaviour and strengthen social norms.”
“The Government recently announced land-use changes in Lim Chu Kang to optimise our scarce land to meet our growing and evolving needs. We are at the initial planning stage and agencies are still working out the detailed development proposals.”
“Public Waste Collectors and Town Councils have trialled the collection and treatment of segregated food waste from households. However, participation rates are poor despite regular engagement and reminders.”
“The quality of incense offerings and the practice of burning incense are not regulated by law. Instead, the National Environment Agency (NEA) works with stakeholders, such as Town Councils, agencies and religious organisations, to encourage responsible burning of joss paper and incense.”
“The National Environment Agency (NEA) monitors public cleaning contractors through regular physical audits and remote monitoring, complemented by video analytics. NEA also regularly assesses the cleaning quality and outcomes of public cleaning contractors.”
“This question has been addressed in the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment’s combined answer to Question Nos 15 to 18 on the Order Paper for 7 July 2026. [Please refer to "National Recycling Rates, Plans and Targets", Official Report, 7 July 2026, Vol 96, Issue 32, Oral Answers to Questions section.]”
The complete record
Every one of 2,293 lines we hold for Grace Fu Hai Yien, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 23 of 46.
“Addressing packaging waste, which includes single-use plastics, is a priority for my Ministry. All packaging, regardless of material type, impacts the environment over its life cycle. Our approach has been to discourage the excessive use of all types of single-use packaging and to promote the use of reusables. To encourage companies to adopt more sustainable packaging practices, NEA partnered the Singapore Manufacturing Federation to introduce a new industry-led programme called the Packaging Partnership Programme (PPP). The PPP develops industry knowledge and expertise in minimising the amount of packaging materials used for their products, and switching from single-use plastic packaging to reusables, where possible. To focus companies’ attention on the packaging that they are placing on the market and nudge them to reduce packaging use in their operations, we have introduced measures under the Resource Sustainability Act. From this year, large producers of packaged products and retailers are required to start collecting data on the amount of packaging they put to the market as well as develop plans to reduce, reuse or recycle packaging, for submission to NEA annually. This mandatory reporting will lay the foundation for an Extended Producer Responsibility framework, where producers and retailers will be responsible for the collection and end-of-life management of the packaging materials of their products. We also need to change consumer habits. Hence, we support the recommendation by the Citizens’ Workgroup on Reducing Excessive Consumption of Disposables for a disposable carrier bag charge at supermarkets and will commence public consultations to develop an appropriate charging model.”
“Hotels that serve as Stay-Home Notice (SHN) Dedicated Facilities are required to adhere to guidelines and minimise contact between hotel staff and the persons serving SHN to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. These guidelines include requiring meals to be served in disposable containers and to avoid using reusable containers and cutlery, as these potentially contaminated items would need to be collected and cleaned by the hotel staff. Notwithstanding these temporary measures, my Ministry has been working with stakeholders such as hotels to step up the 3Rs – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. To focus attention on waste reduction opportunities, hotels with more than 200 rooms are required to report the amount of waste generated at their premises, along with waste reduction plans and targets, to the National Environment Agency (NEA) annually. Large commercial and industrial premises including hotels will also be required to segregate their food waste for treatment from 2024. Hotels are also encouraged to adopt best practices to minimise waste. NEA has partnered the Singapore Hotel Association to publish a 3R Guidebook for Hotels. The guidebook highlights best practices in 3R programmes, such as doing away with unnecessary packaging and offering guests the option to reduce food portions. We urge all hotels to enhance their practices to minimise waste.”
“My Ministry has no plans to implement a demerit points system for all NEA-related offences committed by members of the public such as high-rise littering. We oversee a variety of issues and the penalties tagged to each offence have been calibrated to be commensurate with its severity.”
“Marine litter is a key environmental concern for the ASEAN region and will require collective action by all stakeholders. Singapore has been working with fellow ASEAN member states, and international marine litter experts and industry stakeholders, to develop an ASEAN Regional Action Plan on Combatting Marine Debris. This follows from the commitment made by ASEAN Leaders in the 2019 Bangkok Declaration on Combating Marine Debris in ASEAN Region. The Regional Action Plan is in the final stages of endorsement by ASEAN. It will list out actions to reduce plastic waste; enhance their collection and minimise leakage; and create value from waste reuse, to support a more sustainable approach to plastics and waste in the region. The Plan’s proposed regional actions will enhance ASEAN’s collective and individual capabilities to address marine debris pollution through both upstream and downstream measures. ASEAN member states will continue to assess the feasibility of establishing an ASEAN Centre of Combating Marine Debris to support the Plan’s implementation. Singapore welcomes regional cooperation with ASEAN to reduce marine debris pollution and supports the early endorsement and implementation of the Regional Action Plan. We are an active contributor to international and regional platforms that address marine litter. Last November, Singapore organised a virtual training programme on urban solid waste management for ASEAN member states, to build regional capacity on sound waste management practices and prevent the leakage of litter into waterways and the ocean. Singapore also partnered Norway to conduct two runs of a joint capacity training programme on waste management and reduction of marine litter for Asian countries in October 2017 and March 2019.”
“All food establishments, including food and beverage outlets and caterers, are licensed by SFA. SFA conducts regular inspections on food establishments to ensure that they comply with regulatory requirements and more inspections are conducted for higher risk establishments. SFA also investigates public feedback on food safety. Besides taking enforcement action, SFA officers will engage and educate licensees on the required corrective actions. From March 2020 to February 2021, SFA conducted more than 63,000 inspections on food establishments. The number of enforcement actions taken for food safety lapses has remained stable. SFA will step up inspections and other efforts if needed. Food safety is a joint responsibility. While SFA will continue to regulate the food sector, food establishment operators must ensure that they provide safe food to consumers. Operators must also ensure that their food handlers successfully complete the Food Safety Course Level 1, which will equip them with food safety and hygiene knowledge, prior to deployment. Consumers must also play their part to upkeep high standards of food, environmental and personal hygiene at all times. Given the serious consequences, my Ministry and SFA take a serious view on the importance of food safety. Food establishments must continue to exercise diligence in adopting good food safety management and practices, particularly during this COVID-19 period. While COVID-19 is not transmitted by food, SFA has issued advisories and stepped up engagement during this period with food establishments on safe distancing management and cleanliness of their premises. This will reduce the risk of community transmission of COVID-19 and help ensure that food establishments can continue to operate.”
“As part of our efforts to sustain the hawker trade, NEA launched the Incubation Stall Programme (ISP) in 2018 to better support aspiring hawkers. Under the programme, eligible aspiring hawkers run their businesses at pre-fitted stalls with subsidised stall rental for a period of 15 months. This allows them to test and adapt their business plans, refine their recipes, and hone their cooking skills with lower start-up costs. Since its launch, a total of 34 persons have enrolled in the programme: 16 have completed the programme with eight becoming full-fledged hawkers operating their stalls. Another 10 individuals are currently undergoing the programme, while eight did not complete the programme. We have been reviewing and enhancing the programme since its launch. In response to participants’ feedback that they needed more time to build their clientele and stabilise business operations, NEA extended 50% rental discounts from six to nine months and provided 25% rental discounts for an additional six months. Success in the hawker trade is determined by a hawker’s ability to prepare a tasty dish and run his or her business well. ISP participants are required to pass a food tasting session judged by an expert panel and develop a feasible business plan. We have also introduced other programmes to help aspiring hawkers succeed in the trade. This includes the Hawkers’ Development Programme (HDP), launched in 2020, which offers participants a two-month apprenticeship with veteran hawkers to learn the ropes. Following this, participants will run their own stalls, either incubation stalls under the ISP or stalls from NEA’s monthly tender exercises and continue to receive mentorship for up to three months.”
“The Hawkers Succession Scheme (HSS) helps to sustain the hawker trade and heritage, by facilitating retiring veteran hawkers to pass down their culinary skills, recipes and hawker stalls to aspiring successors. This will be done through a paired apprenticeship and mentorship programme. NEA has been consulting the hawker community, such as veteran hawkers, representatives from Hawkers’ Associations, food advocates and culinary chefs to seek their views on the pilot scheme. Many have expressed support and offered valuable suggestions on the scheme, which we are studying. We will convene an independent advisory panel comprising members of the hawker community to assist us in areas such as identifying suitable veteran hawkers who are thinking of retiring and assessing the potential successors’ readiness to take over. For a start, we are considering hawkers with at least 15 years of experience as it is a reasonable period of time for hawkers to hone their recipes and culinary skills, and build their clientele, to be considered as a “veteran”. Nevertheless, we are also open to considering veteran hawkers with fewer years of experience in exceptional circumstances. NEA is finalising the details of the HSS, including the amount of the nominal stipend for the veteran hawkers, and aims to launch the pilot scheme later this year. We will provide updates on the outcomes of the two-year pilot including its effectiveness, when they are available. Notwithstanding this, aspiring hawkers can currently participate in NEA’s Hawkers’ Development Programme (HDP), which provides them with opportunities to undergo structured training as well as apprenticeship with veteran hawker mentors before starting their own hawker businesses.”
“The Commercial Vehicle Emissions Scheme (CVES) promotes the adoption of cleaner new light commercial vehicles by providing an incentive of up to $30,000 for the purchase of cleaner models, whilst imposing a $10,000 surcharge to discourage the purchase of more pollutive models. Cleaner Light Goods Vehicle (LGV) models, such as petrol and electric ones, are readily available in the market. The scheme currently covers LGVs with maximum laden weight not exceeding 3,500 kilogramme. This is because cleaner and market-ready alternatives for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) and Very Heavy Goods Vehicles (VHGV) are still limited. Availability of market-ready cleaner alternatives is an important factor for the scheme to be effective in shifting purchase decisions towards cleaner models. We will continue to monitor the availability of cleaner HGV and VHGV models in the Singapore and international markets, and will consider expanding the CVES to cover more commercial vehicles in future.”
“It is, however, not practical to expand our drains to accommodate every extreme rainfall event as this would require massive land take and much higher costs. PUB will put in place cost-effective measures to minimise flood risks and better manage flood events. For instance, PUB is currently upgrading its rainfall forecasting radar technology, which will help improve prediction of locations where heavy rainfall might occur and enhance response time to potential flash floods. PUB also works closely with LTA and Traffic Police during heavy storms to monitor road conditions and notify motorists of flooded roads to avoid through electronic road signages, online and social media platforms and radio broadcasts. Members of the public can be alerted on flash floods by subscribing to the National Environment Agency's and PUB's weather forecast and water level SMS alerts or access the mobile app, "myENV", for updates on impending heavy rain and the water level in drains at designated locations.”
“Water level sensors on this stretch – the sensor is placed where the yellow triangle is located – installed along the upgraded stretch of Bukit Timah Canal from Jalan Kampong Chantek to Sixth Avenue, just upstream of the expanded Bukit Timah First Diversion Canal, showed the section of the canal was 50% full, 50% full, on 17 April with no flash floods along that stretch despite the heavy rainfall. PUB started the upgrading work on the remaining section of Bukit Timah Canal between Rifle Range Road and Jalan Kampong Chantek – this is the stretch marked in red – where the localised flash flood occurred, and is expected to complete it in 2024. When completed, we expect the top water level in this section of the Canal to be lower by over one metre for the same rainfall intensity experienced on 17 April. Another stretch, which is along Ulu Pandan Canal, a low-lying 300-metre stretch – as marked in red – of the Park Connector next to the Ulu Pandan Canal was also flooded on 17 April even though major roads – the major roads are Clementi Road in grey, Clementi Avenue 6, Commonwealth Avenue West and the Ayer Rajah Expressway – served by the Canal did not experience flooding. PUB will raise this low-lying section of the Park Connector when PUB reconstructs the Ulu Pandan Canal in tandem with future developments. Since 2011, the Government has invested almost $2 billion in drainage works and will invest another $1.4 billion over the next five years to enhance our flood resilience. Drainage design standards were also raised in 2011 to cater for higher intensity rainfall, as part of PUB's broader efforts to address the impact of climate change.”
“This is a map of the stretch of roads that I mentioned in my reply. Just a bit of landmark, Sime Darby Centre is the block marked in black. The water levels in Bukit Timah Canal were very high due to the intense and prolonged rain, impeding discharge from roadside drains along Dunearn Road and Bukit Timah Road into the canal. This resulted in floods of around 150-millimetre depth at Dunearn and Bukit Timah Roads, and around 50-millimetre depth on the pedestrian sidewalks adjacent to the roadside drains. All affected roads remained passable to traffic and the flash floods subsided within 30 minutes. PUB Quick Response Teams were on site directing traffic and assisting affected residents by issuing inflatable flood bags and portable flood barriers to prevent floodwaters from entering their homes. The Public Utilities Board (PUB) had completed the upgrading of the Bukit Timah First Diversion Canal – this is the stretch marked in blue – between Bukit Timah Road and Clementi Road in September 2019 at a project cost of $300 million to alleviate flood risks along Bukit Timah Road and Dunearn Road. Members who have been on the Rail Corridor hike would not miss this impressive infrastructure. It is somewhere after you have crossed Bukit Timah Railway Station and another 500 metres or so, you will come to this stretch, which opens up to the area at Old Holland Road. So, it is impressive because it is large and deep. And I think it has helped significantly on this day of 17 April, because the flood on this day is nowhere near the earlier floods that we had seen along the same stretch of roads when lesser rain fell.”
“Deputy Speaker, Sir, on 17 April 2021, the Sumatra squall, coupled with convergence of surrounding winds arising from the influence of typhoon "Surigae" near the Philippines gave rise to intense and prolonged rainfall across Singapore. The highest rainfall that day was at Ulu Pandan with 170.6 millimetres of rain. This is the highest daily rainfall recorded in April since 1980 and is equivalent to 110% of Singapore’s average rainfall for the whole month of April, falling in a single day. This rainfall resulted in flash floods occurring at Bukit Timah and Dunearn Roads near Sime Darby Centre and a stretch of the Park Connectors along Ulu Pandan Canal. With your permission, Deputy Speaker, may I display some slides on the LED screens.”
“It is not meaningful to implement fixed limits on noise emitted from food and beverage (F&B) establishments as it would be challenging to pinpoint the exact source of the noise. There could be multiple sources contributing to the noise in the vicinity, such as operations-related activities, patrons, other establishments sited in close proximity as well as surrounding activities. Guidelines have been established on best practices for noise mitigation at F&B establishments, such as restricting noise-generating activities and ensuring equipment is maintained in good working condition. The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) and relevant agencies will also engage the F&B operators to advise on suitable noise mitigation measures when feedback is received.”
“There are practical challenges in mandating the use of recyclable cutlery and containers for packaging food. In addition, used cutlery and containers are not recommended for recycling as they are usually contaminated. There is no reason to mandate a standard for recyclable takeaway cutlery and containers at our hawker centres.”
“There are various platforms where our young are educated on civic-mindedness and positive social behaviour. In schools, through the Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) curriculum, they learn what it means to be a good and caring neighbour, how they can play their part to keep the environment clean by not littering, and to show consideration for cleaners and fellow students. The National Environment Agency (NEA) has worked with schools to encourage diners in hawker centres to return their trays and used crockery. Under the Clean Tables Campaign launched in February, NEA has been engaging students, including preschoolers, through creative means such as designing posters to promote tray return and organising themselves to wipe down their canteen tables after meals. The Housing and Development Board (HDB) conducts an Outreach to Young and Youth! (OHYAY!) programme which teaches students about being a good neighbour such as keeping the common spaces of residential areas clean and litter-free and cleaning up after one’s pet. We hope that our young will bring these messages to their families. My Ministry will continue to work with stakeholders to reinforce these positive social behaviour amongst our young and build a more gracious society.”
“High-rise littering is a serious offence and enforcement action is typically taken, except when there is insufficient evidence. Of the high-rise littering incidents captured on surveillance cameras in 2020, only 1.5% did not result in enforcement actions due to difficulties in identifying the culprit. Nonetheless, the investigation into such cases is time-consuming and does not allow for expeditious resolution. It is also costly to set up high resolution surveillance cameras to pinpoint the specific culprit from the unit. My Ministry will explore the suggestion for a change in law to hold the owner or registered occupier accountable for high-rise littering from their unit, whilst ensuring proper safeguards are in place.”
“The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol aims to gradually reduce the consumption and production of controlled hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). HFCs are commonly used as refrigerants in refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) equipment. When emitted into the environment, some HFCs trap a much larger amount of heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide. Singapore is committed to taking action to control and reduce the use of HFCs with high global warming potential (GWP), as this is in line with our Long-Term Low-Emissions Development Strategy. Since 1 January 2019, HFCs imported into Singapore have been subjected to licensing controls. In 2020, the Climate-friendly Label was introduced to help consumers choose household refrigerators and air-conditioners that use climate-friendly refrigerants. The Grant for Low-GWP Refrigerant Chillers was also introduced to support companies that want to make an early switch to more climate-friendly commercial water-cooled chillers. As HFCs can leak into the atmosphere if RAC equipment is not handled properly, the National Environment Agency (NEA) has launched a training course to train and certify technicians to handle refrigerants properly. Later this year, NEA will mandate the proper recovery, reclamation and destruction of spent refrigerants. My Ministry has initiated a review of Singapore’s ratification of the Kigali Amendment. The decision for Singapore to ratify the Kigali Amendment will be finalised after consultation with key stakeholders. We are working closely with key stakeholders to phase down HFCs and make the transition to climate-friendly alternatives.”
“The cleaning frequency of public areas by public cleaning contractors ranges from daily to once every three days, based on the cleaning needs of individual areas. Heavy leaf shedding takes place in Singapore during the months of February to March and June to July and cleaning frequency is increased during these months to clear the higher volume of fallen leaves. The National Environment Agency (NEA) tracks the performance of the public cleaning contractors to ensure that service standards are maintained. Town Councils also engage pest control operators to inspect and remove potential mosquito breeding habitats.”
“The two recalls of eggs detected with Salmonella Enteritidis (SE), on 12 March 2021 and 19 March 2021, have had minimal impact to Singapore’s egg supply. In total, the two affected Malaysian farms account for only 5% of our egg supply. Egg importers have been able to switch to other SFA-accredited farms to make up for the shortfall. There is no indication that the recalls have affected egg prices in Singapore or given rise to acts of profiteering. Average retail egg prices in Singapore have remained stable over the past month. SFA has notified the Malaysian authorities of the SE detections and is working with them on the investigations. SFA will assess the investigation findings and measures put in place at the affected farms to ensure that they are satisfactory, before the suspensions can be lifted for the farms to resume their export of eggs to Singapore. The occurrences of food safety issues from time to time demonstrate the importance of diversifying our food supply sources. Other than Malaysia, our egg supply comprises those produced locally, as well as those imported from countries including Thailand, Ukraine, Poland, and others. SFA will continue to accredit egg farms which plan to export to Singapore, to ensure that they have good farm management practices and strong biosecurity measures in place to prevent the risks of SE contamination.”
“Since the early 2000s, the National Environment Agency (NEA) has been encouraging hawker centre patrons to return their trays and used crockery through measures such as behavioural nudges, improving tray return infrastructure and publicity campaigns. We launched the Tray Return Programme in July 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic has given added impetus, as used tissues, wet wipes and food remnants can become biohazards and pose a health risk to diners and our cleaners. Table litter also attracts birds and other pests, which bring about public health concerns. In our latest efforts, NEA launched the Clean Tables Campaign in February 2021. Diners are encouraged to clear their used tissues and wet wipes, and return all crockery and trays after dining. By doing so, we not only help to safeguard public health, but ease the workload of our cleaners, whose average age is around 60 years old today. As part of the campaign, NEA has introduced posters, banners and audio announcements with refreshed content to remind patrons to clear their tables after dining. These will be progressively rolled out to hawker centres, coffeeshops and food courts islandwide. NEA will install more tray return racks at hawker centres. The campaign will reach out to the wider community through community volunteers and educational institutions, to foster greater community ownership of dining places. Hawker centres are an integral part of our hawker culture and are community dining rooms meant for all to enjoy. I encourage everyone to play our part in keeping our hawker centres clean and safe.”
“The National Environment Agency (NEA) has introduced centralised dishwashing, together with the use of common crockery and automated tray return systems, at five existing hawker centres under the Productive Hawker Centres (PHC) programme. We are progressively expanding the PHC programme to more existing centres. All new hawker centres will also have centralised dishwashing. These centralised cleaning facilities enhance productivity, relieve the hawkers from the chores of dishwashing, and help to improve hygiene standards. But they do not significantly reduce fire hazards, as fires in hawker centres are mostly caused by unattended cooking. As we introduce centralised dishwashing to more centres, we have to address challenges such as space constraints and consider stallholders' receptivity to centralised dishwashing services. NEA has been working closely with the respective Hawkers' Associations and stallholders to roll out the PHC programme, and will prioritise centres with available space, high business volume and supportive stakeholders. To help stallholders transit to centralised dishwashing services, the PHC programme provides four years of funding support of up to 70% of the centralised dishwashing fees for stallholders in existing hawker centres, and two years of funding support of up to 50% for new hawker centres.”
“Whenever a feedback on smoking near windows or balconies is received by NEA, NEA officers would advise the residential unit occupants to be considerate to their family members and neighbours, and refrain from smoking near windows, balconies or other areas. NEA does not track the number of advisories issued.”
“The Public Sector Taking the Lead in Environmental Sustainability (PSTLES) has been renamed as GreenGov.SG, as part of the Singapore Green Plan 2030. This represents the public sector's continued leadership on sustainability and contribution towards national sustainability goals. Some of the key shifts under GreenGov.SG will be announced at MSE's Committee of Supply 2021 debates. On vehicles, all new purchases for Government-owned fleets will be cleaner and greener where feasible, with effect from 2023. Some Government agencies are already taking active steps towards greater adoption of electric vehicles. For example, MINDEF will replace its current administrative vehicle fleet with an all-electric one by 2030. We are actively studying ways to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles within the public service as part of GreenGov.SG. We will continue to develop the specific targets, strategies and initiatives for GreenGov.SG over time, as new opportunities avail themselves. We will release more details over the course of the year.”
“Thank you, Chairman. I would like to thank the Member for the clarification. MSE will support efforts to promote the industry in sustainability. We will do what is necessary. But fundamentally, we must make sure that our large infrastructure must meet our needs. We will want our infrastructure to also meet our sustainability goals. With that, as the basic assumptions, we will be happy to work with any agencies to promote sustainability services, including financial reporting and verification.”
“Where feasible, we will co-deliver them with the participants and other partners. It is our hope that all Singaporeans will have a growing consciousness to care for the environment, reduce their consumption and waste less. In so doing, we can make sustainable living a way of life and achieve our vision of becoming a Zero Waste Nation together. Mdm Chairman, 2020 has been a rough year for Singapore and the world. It has shown us that the current way in which we consume, our habits and the way we treat our planet is not sustainable. But amidst the gloom, there were also many new and hopeful beginnings. We look forward to working with all Singaporeans to take a green leap forward in 2021 towards a sustainable, resource-efficient and climate-resilient future for our nation. I will now hand over to Senior Minister of State Dr Amy Khor.”
“We will continue to engage stakeholders and we welcome all to participate in shaping Singapore's own DRS framework. Another important aspect in recycling packaging waste is building up our local recycling capabilities. More than half of our domestic packaging waste disposed of is plastics. We are pursuing both mechanical and chemical recycling solutions, the latter which can take in contaminated plastics that are not suitable for mechanical recycling. NEA and Shell are jointly studying the feasibility of chemical recycling in Singapore, including the carbon savings potential of diverting plastic waste from incineration to produce pyrolysis oil, or NEWOil, as feedstock for petrochemical plants. 2.15 pm One issue that has captured public attention is the excessive consumption of disposables. This includes single-use plastics which Mr Louis Ng and Mr Dennis Tan have asked about. Disposables have a short lifespan and contribute significantly to our carbon footprint and waste. Under GreenGov.SG, the public service is considering measures to reduce the use of disposables and will be announcing more details later in the year. Citizens are also actively co-creating solutions with us. In line with the SG Together movement, we convened a Citizens' Workgroup in September last year. Fifty-five citizens of various backgrounds jointly came up with recommendations to address the issue of excessive consumption of disposables. They presented their recommendations to my Ministry and NEA in January. We are heartened by the wide range of ideas, from policies such as a mandatory carrier bag charge, to behavioural nudges such as visual cues in supermarkets. We will share our responses to the recommendations next month and publish them on the Clean and Green Singapore website.”
“Last year, we announced the requirement for food waste at large commercial and industrial premises to be segregated for treatment. Mr Louis Ng asked if these premises should also report the amount of food waste segregated. Indeed, we are considering a framework for these premises to measure and report the amount of food waste segregated for treatment. This will highlight to them the amount of food waste they generate and the potential to reduce wastage. We will start industry consultations on this in the second quarter of the year. Aside from mandatory measures, we will closely support businesses in their efforts to close waste loops. NEA has been seeking applicants for its 3R Fund, a co-funding programme to support businesses in implementing waste reduction projects. Parkway Parade received funding to install a new food waste treatment system on its premises and actively reached out to tenants to segregate their food waste to be treated. Between 2017 and 2020, Parkway Parade successfully diverted 1,200 tonnes of food waste from disposal. Packaging waste is our third priority waste stream. It accounts for about one-third of domestic waste disposed of, comprising materials, such as plastic, paper, metal and glass. While incineration reduces the volume of packaging waste, we can do more to reduce, reuse and recycle them. We will put in place an EPR framework for packaging waste, starting with a Deposit Refund Scheme, or DRS, for beverage containers. To Mr Louis Ng's question, we have been engaging the community and industry to develop a DRS framework for Singapore. We plan to introduce the legislative framework for the DRS by 2022 and implement it in 2023. The transition period will give industry time to set up the collection and recycling infrastructure.”
“To Mr Louis Ng's query, we are on track to start the EPR this July. We recently appointed ALBA Group as the Producer Responsibility Scheme, or PRS Operator to manage the physical collection and treatment of e-waste on behalf of the producers, who will finance the scheme. NEA is working closely with ALBA and industry stakeholders to set up the collection infrastructure. Come July, the public can look forward to more ways to recycle e-waste. In addition to the mandatory requirement for large retailers to offer instore collection service, we have secured support from owners of other premises, such as shopping malls and Community Clubs, to place e-waste recycling bins at publicly accessible areas within their premises. To ensure the success of the EPR, NEA is working with premises owners and ALBA to raise awareness. ALBA intends to launch a website and mobile app to provide information on the EPR, including the types of e-waste covered and the recycling locations. Individuals, too, can drive ground-up efforts on e-waste recycling. Take Mdm Lalitha for instance. She chairs the Woodlands Environmental Committee and led an initiative to install e-waste recycling bins that was well-received by residents in Woodlands. Between October 2018 and March last year, about 338 kg of e-waste was collected. Mdm Lalitha had the following message to share, and I quote, "Environmental conservation is a self-initiated mission. When you lead by example, others will be inspired to follow." Let us play our part for the environment, just like Mdm Lalitha and inspire our families and friends to do the same. Next, on food waste. We are driving nationwide efforts to reduce and recycle food waste through outreach efforts and regulatory measures.”
“We set ambitious targets under our Zero Waste Masterplan in 2019. Our national goal is to achieve a 70% overall recycling rate and reduce the amount of waste sent to Semakau Landfill per capita per day by 30% by 2030. Under the Green Plan, we aim to frontload our waste-to-landfill reduction efforts over the next five years, to achieve a 20% reduction per capita per day by 2026. We can achieve this if everyone plays their part, consuming less, wasting less and recycling more. At the same time, we need a paradigm shift from a linear "take-make-throw" economy to a circular economy where waste is turned into resource and used over and over again. The Government surely cannot do this alone. We need businesses, individuals and all partners to come on board. Let me share our plans on three priority waste streams: e-waste, food waste and packaging waste, including plastics. Let me start with e-waste. As Mr Louis Ng pointed out, Singapore generates about 60,000 tonnes of e-waste a year. E-waste contains valuable resources like precious metals, which we can recover to reduce mining of raw materials. However, only about 6% of the e-waste disposed of by consumers is recycled via public recycling programmes. This is why we have introduced the Extended Producer Responsibility, or EPR framework for e-waste. This places responsibility on producers to collect and send their products for proper end-of-life treatment at e-waste recyclers licensed by NEA. Mr Melvin Yong and Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked about EV batteries. It will be included in this framework. The recyclers will have to adhere to depollution requirements and meet material recovery targets. This ensures that our e-waste does not pollute the environment and useful resources are recovered for reuse.”
“This has been shown to improve NEWater recovery rate from 75% to 90% with the same energy consumption. Through scaling up more efficient technologies, PUB aims to reduce the energy required to produce one cubic metre of desalinated water from 3.5 kilowatt hours to 2 kilowatt hours, by 2025. Even as we opened our fourth desalination plant in Marina East, I am pleased to announce that our fifth desalination plant in Jurong Island will be completed this year. The Plant will be co-located with Tuas Power's existing Tembusu Multi-Utilities Complex, boosting resource synergies across energy and seawater intake and outfall structures. Last year, we reported that work has begun on Tuas Nexus – Singapore's first integrated solid waste and used water treatment facility. It is set for completion in phases from 2025. It will harness synergies across the water-energy-waste nexus to maximise energy and resource recovery, enabling it to be fully energy self-sufficient and even export electricity to the grid. Building on Tuas Nexus, NEA and PUB plan to co-locate a food waste treatment facility at Changi Water Reclamation Plant. The co-digestion of food waste and used water sludge generates additional biogas, providing more electricity for Changi Water Reclamation Plant. Co-location also reduces the carbon footprint, as food waste collected in the east can be sent to Changi, instead of to Tuas Nexus in the west. NEA expects to embark on the preliminary design study for the food waste treatment facility in the first half of this year. Through our green waterworks, low-energy water production and low-carbon water treatment, the next chapter of our water story will be written in a green and sustainable manner. I will now touch on waste.”
“Ensuring resilient water supply has been our focus since Independence. With bold and innovative solutions, we have closed the water loop and reused our water endless times. However, our water demand will continue to rise with population and economic growth, even as climate change brings about more erratic rainfall and dry spells. Weather-resilient sources, such as NEWater and desalination, will be key pillars of our future water strategy. We must ensure that in achieving water sustainability, we do not become more reliant on energy and increase our carbon footprint. In the same bold and innovative spirit that enabled us to close the water loop, MSE will strive to break new frontiers in decarbonising the water sector. Last year, we announced the construction of one of the world's largest floating solar panel system at Tengeh Reservoir. We are on track to complete construction this year. This will generate enough solar power to meet the energy demands of our five local water treatment plants, making Singapore one of the few in the world to have a fully green waterworks system. Ms Poh Li San asked for our plans for future floating solar panels and for improving energy efficiency of water treatment. PUB will complete the deployment of two floating solar panel systems at Bedok and Lower Seletar Reservoirs this year. PUB and EDB are also exploring potential deployments in Upper Pierce and Kranji Reservoirs respectively. The environmental impact assessments are underway. Decades of R&D efforts led to our NEWater and desalination solutions. Today, PUB is undertaking R&D efforts to reduce energy use. One promising example is the Flow Reversal technology in the reverse osmosis stage of NEWater production.”
“00 pm The Deputy Prime Minister announced at Budget that the Government intends to issue new bonds under the proposed Significant Infrastructure Government Loan Act, or SINGA, to finance infrastructure, including for coastal and flood protection. Global warming and rising temperature is another issue that we must grapple with. This is compounded by the Urban Heat Island effect, or UHI for short. When temperature rises, we turn up air-conditioners, which in turn generate more heat in the surrounding, resulting in a vicious cycle. Built-up areas, such as the CBD, can be more than three degree Celsius hotter than our parks. High temperatures can be uncomfortable for our daily activities, or increase the risk of heat injuries at the workplace, sports and military training. Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked about the measures taken to reduce the UHI and heat emissions. We will adopt three mitigation strategies. First, we will measure, gather data and close our knowledge gaps on the UHI effects by deploying a network of sensors islandwide. Second, we will develop simulation models of the UHI effects under the Cooling Singapore 2.0 Research Project. This will help us better plan and right-site open spaces and greenery to provide comfort for our residents. Third, we will develop and implement a UHI mitigation action plan. This will include piloting the use of cool materials, increasing urban greenery and reducing heat emissions through district cooling. Decarbonisation and improving energy efficiency will continue to be our focus. Mr Louis Ng asked if we can publish a ranking of top emitters. We agree on the need to provide a strong impetus for companies to reduce emissions and we will continue to study how we can spur this meaningfully. Next, on decarbonising our water sector.”
“To holistically manage both inland and coastal flood risks, PUB will be developing the Coastal-Inland Flood Model this year. This computational model will simulate flood risk events and evaluate effectiveness of coastal infrastructure designs against different climatic scenarios. This will equip PUB with capabilities to plan and implement adaptation measures. Mr Gan Thiam Poh and Ms Hazel Poa asked about PUB’s long-term measures to mitigate inland flood risks. In the last decade, PUB has invested almost $2 billion on drainage works. When designing drains and canals, PUB considers factors such as the extent and type of development, overall terrain and design rainfall intensity. Key projects include the Bukit Timah First Diversion Canal and Stamford Detention Tank. Over the next five years, we will invest another $1.36 billion. Ten projects will commence this year, including drainage works at Seletar North Link and Serangoon Avenue 2 and 3. Despite our best efforts to improve our drainage system, it is not possible to completely eliminate flash floods. It is not practical to build ever bigger drains to meet every extreme rainfall event in land-scarce Singapore. This is why we introduced the holistic "Source-Pathway-Receptor" approach to managing flash floods. This addresses flood protection by arresting water at source such as detention tanks, expanding capacity of pathways such as drains and canals, and deepening capacity of receptors in low-lying areas. As Dr Lim Wee Kiak rightly pointed out, coastal and flood protection are a long-term and large-scale effort. To ensure adequate and reliable resourcing, we established the Coastal and Flood Protection Fund under PUB last year with an initial injection of $5 billion. 2.”
“Mdm Chairman, several Ministers have spoken earlier about climate change and our responses under the SGP30. I will now share MSE’s work in three areas: (a) building our climate resilience; (b) decarbonising our water sector; and (c) moving towards a Zero Waste Nation. COVID-19 has underscored the importance of building resilience in our systems. We have started preparations to deal with the long-term effects of climate change. This includes investing strategically in R&D and our infrastructure. Sea-level rise poses an existential threat to Singapore. Dr Lim Wee Kiak, Ms Poh Li San and Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin asked about our plans to protect Singapore’s coastlines against rising sea levels. In April last year, PUB was appointed the national coastal protection agency to safeguard Singapore’s coastlines against the threat of rising sea levels, while managing inland flood risks. We will implement coastal protection measures in phases, beginning with the more vulnerable parts of our coastlines. This year, PUB and JTC will embark on site-specific studies at the coastlines of City-East Coast and Jurong Island. Potential measures to be examined include sea walls, polders and nature-based solutions like mangrove planting. In developing these plans, we will search for innovation in complementing our land use, sea space needs and the natural environment. Some of the suggestions from Dr Lim Wee Kiak are interesting and we will take them into consideration. Climate Change has caused more intense rainfall, and more serious and frequent flooding. As Miss Cheryl Chan has said, it is important to develop a comprehensive and coordinated understanding of Singapore’s level of flood resilience.”
“We will also update our strategies and targets as new technological solutions emerge. Our children's future depends on what we do today, to preserve our natural resources and protect the earth. Let us work together to make Singapore a City of Green Possibilities. (In English): Let me conclude. A few months ago, I was struck by a question from my son. He is in his early 20s. He asked if I would still have had children, given how our planet is struggling to support a growing population, with the daunting challenges that climate change will pose. For him and his generation, the question is not hypothetical. My reply to him was absolutely, yes! Because I believe that humanity has the wisdom and ingenuity, and the collective will to find solutions to combat global warming. The Green Plan is a solemn pledge to future generations of Singaporeans that there will always be a Singapore, come 30, 50 or even 100 years from now: a shining jewel in the oceans, if we work together. We will face many grave threats, but we will transform challenges into opportunities. This is the Singapore DNA. We will take bold and collective action to create a sustainable and liveable home. This is a pledge that Singaporeans today must keep to give our children the confidence to pursue their dreams, raise their families with hope and optimism, and look forward to a brighter, better future. Madam, climate change must not be exacerbated on our watch. Let us make the right choice today, so that our children and grandchildren can look back and be proud of the direction we have set. Together, let us work to make Singapore a City of Green Possibilities. [Applause.]”
“As businesses, we can use less packaging materials, adopt energy and water efficient manufacturing processes, and recycle our waste better, into useful resources. The public sector will drive a nation-wide push towards sustainability using the tools and levers at our disposal, such as green procurement. Our children' future depends on what we do today, to preserve our resources and protect the earth. Let us work together to make Singapore a City of Green Possibilities. (In English): In Mandarin, please. (In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Climate change poses grave threats for Singapore. Last year was one of the hottest we have experienced, with frequent and heavy rainfall events. Climate changes has also brought about more severe natural disasters more frequently. We need to make deep transformations in all aspects of our lives and work together to tackle climate change. To chart our pathway to a sustainable future, the Government has launched the Singapore Green Plan 2030, for whole-of-nation action Everyone, regardless of age, race, and background can and must play a part. As individuals, we can change our daily habits, by consuming and wasting less resources, recycling more, taking public transport where we can, or turning our air-conditioner up by one degree higher. As businesses, we can use less packaging materials, adopt energy and water efficient manufacturing processes, and recycle our waste better. The public sector will drive a nation-wide push towards sustainability using the tools and levers at our disposal, such as green procurement. In the spirit of Singapore Together, through conversations and other channels, we will engage Singaporeans and businesses to harness more ideas and put them into action to enrich the Green Plan.”
“This includes working with our researchers and companies to develop new solutions that push the frontiers on sustainability, such as through the Research Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) 2025 plan. 12.00 pm As part of Singapore Together and to involve every Singaporean in the movement, as Ms Hany Soh, Miss Cheryl Chan have highlighted, the Government will launch a series of Green Plan Conversations. This is part of our efforts to partner, encourage, and support ground-up efforts and catalyse new partnerships. Projects in line with the Green Plan, and Alliances for Action will be launched in the coming months. Through the $50 million SG Eco Fund, we will also support ground-up projects that involve the community and advance environmental sustainability. Ms Hany Soh asked about the current progress of the fund. The first grant call saw overwhelming interest with over 200 applications received, in areas like waste management and urban farming. We are evaluating the proposals and I look forward to sharing about them in the coming months. Madam, in Malay please. (In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Climate change poses grave threats for Singapore. Last year was one of the hottest ever, with frequent and heavy rainfall events. We need to make deep transformations in all aspects of our lives and work together to tackle climate change. To chart our pathway to a sustainable future, the Government has launched the Singapore Green Plan 2030, for a whole-of-nation action. Everyone, regardless of age, race, and background can and must play a part. As individuals, we can change our daily habits, by consuming and wasting less resources, recycling more, taking public transport where we can, or turning our air-conditioner up by one degree higher.”
“First, we will set more ambitious goals for the Public Service, including a carbon target for the first time. We aim to peak the public sector's emissions around 2025, ahead of the national target of around 2030. Second, we will expand the scope of GreenGov.SG beyond Government offices, to include other public sector infrastructure and operations. GreenGov.SG will encompass a far wider array of assets to include waste-to-energy plants, public transport infrastructure, hawker centres and healthcare facilities. With this expanded scope, the public sector will take on a greater responsibility to enhance the sustainability of our operations. Third, we will embed sustainability practices in the public sector's core business areas and influence our service providers and suppliers to be more sustainable. One key tool is in green procurement. As a major consumer of goods and services, the public sector can and will influence the industry towards sustainable business choices and practices by incorporating more sustainability requirements in our procurement framework. Fourth, we will build an organisational culture of sustainability and grow the movement amongst Public Service officers. More details on GreenGov.SG will be released over the course of the year. Besides the public sector, the private sector plays a critical role in the Green Plan, as Ms Janet Ang so eloquently argued for. We will support companies in their sustainability journey through the green economy pillar. They can both do well and do good, particularly as consumers and investors increasingly prioritise sustainability.”
“According to the Meteorological Service Singapore, it is almost one degree Celsius hotter today than in the 1950s. Apart from global warming, it is also driven by the Urban Heat Island effect, or UHI for short – a phenomenon where an urbanised area is warmer than its surroundings because of the built environment and increased human activities. The UHI effect is a complex topic that requires in-depth studies. We will chart a science-based roadmap to holistically and decisively moderate temperature rise in Singapore. Third, strengthening Singapore's food security by growing local in a resource-efficient way. With climate change bringing about widespread extreme weather events and soaring global demand for food, the global food market will be more volatile and unpredictable. And this is a critical risk for Singapore as we import over 90% of our food supply. In 2019, we announced our "30 by 30" goal to produce 30% of our nutritional needs locally by 2030. We will do so with a keen eye on energy, water and land efficiency. This complements our other strategies of diversifying import sources and growing food overseas to strengthen food security. To support the agri-food sector, we will make available space and infrastructure, ramp up funding support to build R&D capability and provide incentives for conventional farms to adopt technology to transform into highly productive, climate-resilient and resource-efficient farms. While the five pillars of the Green Plan will map the way forward, the public, private and people sectors must come together for us to succeed, as Ms Hany Soh highlighted. The Public Service will lead on sustainability as part of the GreenGov.SG initiative which Deputy Prime Minister announced in his Budget speech. We will have four shifts.”
“Minister Ong Ye Kung will speak about greening our commutes at MOT's Committee of Supply. I will elaborate on our transition towards a zero-waste nation. To lower our carbon footprint, we will need to employ cleaner energy, and use it more efficiently and this is our third pillar, energy reset. Minister Tan See Leng will speak on plans to make our energy and power systems cleaner and more efficient. Minister Desmond Lee will share how we will make our built environment and urban spaces more sustainable and Minister Ong Ye Kung will make the case for electric vehicles. Sustainability can be a new engine of jobs and growth as we pivot towards a green economy, the fourth pillar. Minister Chan Chun Sing will share how we will help our enterprises seize new opportunities in sustainability and prepare Singaporeans to take on green jobs. With our position as the regional financial and services hub, carbon services and green financing will be new areas of growth. Finally, we must adapt to climate change to ensure Singapore's long-term survival. This is what the fifth pillar of the Green Plan is about – building a resilient future. Let me speak on three aspects of the resilient future pillar. Additional details will be shared in my second speech later. First, coastal defence, which Ms Poh Li San asked about. PUB, as the lead coastal protection agency, will work with other agencies to conduct site-specific studies and develop coastal adaptation pathways and protection measures that are adaptive to climate uncertainties. We target to complete the formulation of adaptation pathways at coastlines along City-East Coast, Lim Chu Kang, Sungei Kadut and around Jurong Island by 2030. Second, keeping Singapore cool in a warming world.”
“The Green Plan is also not just an MSE or even a Government plan, but a blueprint that we have set out for ourselves as a nation and therefore, we have six other Ministers speaking on it. Everyone must work together to achieve our vision. While some targets are existing, new and enhanced targets have been included. Even in areas where targets remain the same, we are putting in place comprehensive and concrete near-to-medium term plans to achieve our targets. The Green Plan positions us to achieve our goal of net zero emissions as soon as viable. Beyond the specific mitigation strategies, it envisions a new future where sustainability is embedded in our DNA. Madam, our targets and strategies are both ambitious and credible. Climate change is a global emergency. Our efforts alone will not turn the tide. Singapore contributes only around 0.1% of global emissions. But if we can succeed in our plans, we will show the world how a small country with severe constraints is nevertheless able to take bold action and pave the way for other countries to adopt new solutions. Let me now give an overview of the Green Plan. There are five pillars: City in Nature, sustainable living, energy reset, green economy and resilient future. They represent the priority areas in Singapore's sustainable development over the next decade. The first pillar on City in Nature seeks to create a green, liveable and sustainable home for Singaporeans. Minister Desmond Lee will talk about our efforts to infuse nature into our urban fabric. Sustainable living is our second pillar. Conserving resources must become our way of life – consume less, recycle more and take public transport. Minister Lawrence Wong will share how we will nurture future generations to be more environmentally conscious.”
“For example, if every household in Singapore raises the aircon temperature by one degree, we will cut carbon emissions by 23 kilo-tonnes, equivalent to the annual carbon emissions from 7,000 cars. Our consumption patterns drive industry. If we avoid disposables, buy locally produced food and prefer energy-efficient appliances, greener and more sustainable business models will emerge. Third, we are excited about the new business opportunities that the sustainability sector can bring that will benefit Singaporeans and Singapore. The Green Plan will also contribute to the international sustainability agenda and global climate goals. The Green Plan will lay out our priorities for collaboration with our international stakeholders. It is in our interest, and that of the world, to catalyse the development of green solutions, such as green hydrogen, and carbon capture, utilisation and storage. We are well placed to contribute to the global effort. As a living lab, where new solutions can be test-bedded and exported to the region and beyond. And as a financial hub and talent hub, where green capital can find common objectives with skilled entrepreneurs and workers. This will allow us to pace our green transition correctly and stay in sync with the global trajectory so that we do not move too hastily and hurt our economic competitiveness and the livelihoods of Singaporeans, or move too slowly and get left behind. Some have asked if the Green Plan is just a compilation of existing initiatives. Madam, it is not. The Green Plan is a long-term and living plan that will evolve as we go along. We will update our targets and strategies as new technologies and practicable solutions avail themselves.”
“Getting to that future will be a whole-of-nation effort, requiring every Government agency, individual, business, research institution, community group and civil society organisation to work in unison. Sustainability is not an isolated programme or initiative but about engineering a whole system and cultivating a new way of life. Each challenge and its associated solution will impact on another. This requires hard trade-offs to be made and close coordination in execution. This is the purpose of the Singapore Green Plan 2030. It is a commitment of this PAP Government to our present and future generations, to chart a common vision for a sustainable future and a roadmap for everyone. Through the Green Plan, sustainability will shape our economy, our infrastructure, our way of life. It will fundamentally change how we live, work and play. The Government will set the broad policy direction and the public sector will lead the change. Through the GreenGov.SG initiative, it will exemplify sustainability in its actions and lead market demand for sustainable products and services. More importantly, we want the Green Plan to spark a national conversation and energise Singaporeans to take action. Every Singaporean must be involved in this transformation because, first, sustainability is not costless. Just as we pay for our security and social services, we will have to pay a bit more for greener goods and services, adjust to less convenience in our daily lives, or reskill for green jobs in new industries. We cannot incur these costs without a national consensus. Second, while climate change may feel abstract for individuals, it is our individual actions that determine the collective outcome.”
“We have been working actively within ASEAN and the broader international community to deliver a global response to climate change and contribute to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 11.45 am Madam, the course of human history has been shaped by innovation and discovery and we are on the cusp of yet another revolution today – a global sustainability revolution. Just as the invention of the steam engine and discovery of fossil fuels propelled us into the industrial age, the energy transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy will redefine how we power the global economy. This revolution will be driven by policy makers, consumers, inventors and investors who recognise the opportunities that will arise from a circular, low carbon economy. We must catch and ride this new global wave of sustainability. Many MNCs are putting Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) considerations at the core of their business and investment decisions. I am happy that companies like Temasek are strongly committed to sustainability, embedding it in both their operations and investment approach. Singapore is well-positioned. We are not starting from scratch. Since Independence, instead of pursuing growth at all costs, we have insisted on quality, inclusive and sustainable growth. Each generation of Singaporeans must see ourselves as stewards of our nation. We must pass on a better Singapore to the generations of Singaporeans that will come after us, just as the previous generations had done for us. We must build on our past achievements, strive to overcome our present limitations and pioneer new solutions for a more sustainable future.”
“Thank you. Mdm Chairman, Senior Minister Teo has set out the principles that guide Singapore’s response to climate change, taking into account our challenges, and the opportunities before us. Climate change is one of the gravest threats facing mankind and Singapore. What is at stake is the survival and future of our small island state. One or two more degrees Celsius increase may not sound like much but if sea level rises a few metres, our sunny island could literally be in the sea. Climate change could also threaten our food and water supply. We have to take climate change seriously, study its impact and start preparing ourselves now. We have to develop a long-term climate action plan to both mitigate and adapt to climate change. This plan will span several generations to protect Singapore and our children. This was why the Prime Minister spoke at length about climate change during his 2019 National Day Rally, and I quote: “Both the SAF and climate change defences are existential for Singapore. These are life and death matters. Everything else must bend at the knee to safeguard the existence of our island nation.” We must take climate change seriously. The Government is fully committed to take decisive action to mitigate climate change and adapt to its impact. Last month, following a six-hour debate on the Motion tabled by six PAP Members after extensive engagements by the Young PAP, this House passed a motion to acknowledge climate change as a global emergency and a threat to mankind. I was most encouraged by the passion and concerns shown. But our efforts alone will not turn the tide. Climate action requires urgent, collective and coordinated efforts by all countries, big and small.”
“With your permission, Mdm Chairman, may I ask the Clerks to distribute the factsheets and infographics?”
“Second, with your permission, Mdm Chairman, we will like clarifications on the various speeches given by Senior Minister, myself and the fellow Ministers coming after me on the Singapore Green Plan 2030, to be taken after Minister Chan Chun Sing's speech.”
“Mdm Chairman, with your permission, I would like to ask for a few requests. First, 4 March being the World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development, I think it is an appropriate time for this House to recognise the many hard-working engineers that are contributing impactfully, positively to the sustainable development in Singapore. So, with your permission, may I put on record our recognition for all the engineers out there. [Applause.]”
“Smoking is prohibited in many public places to protect the public from harmful second-hand tobacco smoke. Covering more than 32,000 places, these include public places with high footfall such as pedestrian overhead bridges, covered or underground pedestrian walkways, and the common areas of residential buildings. For clarity of the rules to both the smokers and the non-smokers, so that there is a clear understanding of where smoking is disallowed, the National Environment Agency (NEA) has prohibited smoking by types of places, regardless of the activity that the smoker is engaged in. NEA has expanded the list of smoking-prohibited places over the years. It will continue to monitor and enforce against smoking violations at smoking-prohibited places. It does not intend to include walking as an activity where smoking is prohibited.”
“The National Environment Agency (NEA) is committed to minimising noise nuisance from vehicles and construction sites to protect public health. NEA sets noise emission standards for vehicles and maximum permissible noise limits for construction sites under the Environmental Protection and Management Act. The noise limits for vehicles and construction sites are not directly comparable. First, the vehicular noise limit applies to the loudest noise emitted by a vehicle. In comparison, the construction noise limits apply to the average sound level measured over longer time durations (five minutes, one hour or 12 hours), as construction noise from a site can be sustained over a longer period of time. Second, vehicular noise measurement is undertaken at source (i.e. at the tailpipe), while noise from construction sites is measured at the receptor (i.e. at the façade of the nearest residential building), given the range of construction activities and equipment operating in a construction site at any point in time. NEA regularly reviews the noise emission standards to keep pace with the latest international standards. Infrastructural measures also help to mitigate noise emissions. For example, for expressways near residential areas, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) works with the National Parks Board to line the expressways with dense planting, which act as screens that absorb light and noise from roads. LTA is also studying the feasibility of other noise mitigation measures such as low-noise pavement mix for roads and vertical noise barriers. When there is public feedback on noisy vehicles, agencies will work together to address the feedback, including carrying out enforcement actions.”